A Proposed Model of the Relationship between Artificial Intelligence Acceptance and Innovative Work Behavior: The Moderating Role of Ethical Climate

Background. Increasing integration of artificial intelligence into organizational processes has made employee acceptance an important research area. Although AI offers opportunities for efficiency and innovation, organizational outcomes depend on employees’ technology use and workplace ethical guidance. Aim. This study develops a conceptual model explaining the relationship between employees’ AI acceptance and innovative work behavior and the moderating role of ethical climate. Method. A proposition-based theoretical approach integrates the Technology Acceptance Model, Job Demands–Resources Model, and Social Information Processing Theory. AI acceptance is proposed to support innovative work behavior by making employees more willing to explore the technology’s potential for developing new ideas and solutions, with ethical climate moderating the relationship between AI acceptance and innovative work behavior. Findings. AI acceptance is proposed to positively influence innovative work behavior, with an organizational climate that upholds ethical principles strengthening this positive relationship. Conclusion. Integrating the Technology Acceptance Model, Job Demands–Resources Model, and Social Information Processing Theory, the study contributes to organizational behavior literature and provides a theoretical foundation for empirical research testing the relationship between AI acceptance and innovative work behavior, alongside the moderating role of ethical climate, across organizational contexts.